by Chandra Ryan
Continuing down the hall, they walked past the open doors to the kitchen. “Aren’t we getting something to drink?”
“Please, all they have in there is wine and mead. I was thinking of something…stronger.” He opened a door and walked through it without looking back at her. With nothing else to do, Sara followed him into the dark-paneled, book-lined room. “This is where they keep the good stuff.”
“In the library?”
Smiling, he pulled a book out of a nearby shelf. Reaching behind the remaining books, he said, “The Livingstons are good at show, but they don’t know anything about booze. Guards have been hiding a stash here for decades.”
“Wow, you must really trust me to show me where the good booze is.”
“Maybe I plan on getting you so drunk you don’t remember where the booze came from.”
She laughed at the thought as he pulled a dusty brown bottle from the empty space before sliding the book back into place. Drunk sounded good right about now.
“Perfect.” He blew the heavy coat of dust off the bottle and examined the label. “Ever had whiskey?”
“I have not,” she admitted.
“Should be an interesting evening then.” Trying to ignore the undertones of the comment, she followed him back down the corridor and up the stairs to his room. Amazingly, the bath already sat waiting for them.
“The servants are most certainly quick.”
“They’re paid well to be the best.” He handed her a laundered riding uniform as if offering her proof.
“Thanks.”
Stepping behind the screen, memories of Kavin’s bath made her smile. She had made her decision. She knew what she wanted. Now was the perfect time to go after it.
Turning sideways, she slowly pulled the tunic over her head. “This screen is pretty, but I don’t think it actually gives much privacy. I guess it does leave a little to the imagination, though.” She untied her bottoms and let them slide down her legs to land in a puddle at her feet. “Then again, modesty’s never been that important to me.”
“Thank the gods.”
She laughed as she stretched slowly in front of the screen.
“Take the damned bath already.”
She smiled at the frustration in his voice before climbing into the tub. Scooping up a handful of bubbles, she blew at them lightly before picking up the soap. “You knew I could see you earlier, didn’t you?”
“Yes. Just like you know I can see you now.”
She sat up on her knees to give him the best silhouette of her body before running the soapy washcloth over her skin. And, as the cloth passed over her nipples, they hardened at the thought of him being able to see her. “I think all keeps should have these screens.”
He cleared his throat softly. “Certainly would make things more interesting.”
“Only if someone is willing to watch.”
He laughed at her words. “I don’t think you’d have a problem finding volunteers.”
Standing, she let the water slide down her skin and splash back into the tub before stepping out and grabbing a towel. She dried off slowly in full view of the screen and then she grabbed the uniform to get dressed, but a sudden idea stopped her. What if she didn’t?
Tucking the towel around her body, she stepped out from the screen to find him lying on the bed already drinking the whiskey.
“Damn. You really should find a new hobby. Maybe cross-stitching?” he suggested.
“I like my hobby just fine, thank you very much.” Grabbing the bottle from him, she lifted it to her lips and then tipped it back until she felt an explosion of warmth in her mouth. Even after she’d swallowed it, the whiskey continued to burn as it raced down her throat into her stomach.
“It tingles a bit.” She was hoping to downplay the unexpected gasp for air and loud sputtering cough that followed the swig.
“That’s how you know it’s good.”
Sitting down next to him, she handed him the bottle. He took a long swig before sighing heavily. “You gonna be okay?”
“I’ll be fine.” She took the bottle back with a small nod. This time she was ready for the burn, but it still made her gasp. “No trace of the headache at all.”
“Thank the gods.”
“What about you? Are you going to be okay?”
“That depends on how long I have to share quarters with you and keep my hands to myself.”
Her heart raced with anticipation. “Don’t see why you should, seeing as I have no intention of keeping mine to myself.” She lifted the bottle to take another swig, but he put a finger on it, stopping her.
“Are you sure you want to do that?” he asked cautiously.
She couldn’t tell if he was asking about her intentions toward him or the bottle so she decided it would be best to answer for both. “I’m sure.”
He took his hand off the bottle and this time the liquid slid down her throat smooth as silk.
“That really is good stuff.”
“I wouldn’t steer you wrong,” he said with a wink. “Not about alcohol, that is.” His fingers laced through her hair as he pulled her to him. The kiss was soft, as was the caress of his fingertips on her cheek. She wanted more. Moaning softly, she wrapped her arms around his neck. But as the whiskey bottle brushed against his back, he pulled away from her.
“I’m not sure this is such a great idea. Whiskey and sex don’t mix very well. Too often they lead to regrets.”
“Not with me.” She put the bottle down on the table next to the bed.
“I wish I could be sure.”
Had he always been this chivalrous, or had life in the guard brought out that attribute? She wished she could remember. But her mind was already muddled by the alcohol. “You’re a good person, you know that?”
“Thank you.” His smile seemed sad as he moved away from her.
“You wouldn’t be taking advantage.” But the words sounded thick, even to her. She had to do something quick or he was going to get all honorable on her. Closing the space between them, she pulled him to her in a hungry kiss. His skin was rough against hers, his breath hot as he deepened the kiss. Leaning forward, he pushed her head gently back until it rested on a soft pillow.
“Gods, Sara.” He pulled away from her just as her head began to spin. “You’re too drunk to…”
The rest of the sentence was lost to her as she slipped into an alcohol-induced blackness.
Chapter Seven
Sara was used to waking at first light, so when a hard shake jostled her awake she was initially surprised she had overslept. Rubbing her eyes, she tried to focus on the figure standing in front of her.
“Good morning.” Kavin threw open one of the curtains, sending razor sharp shards of light into the room.
“Is that absolutely necessary?” She tried to close her eyes against the pain but the source seemed to be coming from behind her eyelids.
“Unfortunately, it is. I’ve already let you sleep an hour past first light. If we’re going to make it a safe distance by nightfall we need to be leaving. Here.” He handed her a glass of cloudy water. “It’s just willow and water, but it’ll help your headache.”
She sat up to take the glass but, as the blanket fell to her lap, the coolness of the morning air made her shiver. Bits and pieces of the previous evening came rushing back to her. She’d worn nothing but a towel to bed—a towel that had come undone during the night and was now lying under her hips. Clutching the blanket to her bare chest, she tried not to blush.
“That’s a shame.” He winked playfully as he put a plate of food next to her. “I would appreciate it if you ate something before we head out. You didn’t eat anything last night and I don’t remember you having anything the night before.”
Her stomach lurched at the sight of the food, but she made a silent vow to eat as much as possible. She also made a vow to never drink whiskey again as she took her first tentative sip of the bitter water mixture.
“This is awful.”
>
“As is a full day’s ride with a hangover. Drink it.” The words were firm, but his teasing smile won her over. She took another drink for him before picking up the plate of food.
After picking at the food for several minutes, she put the plate back on the bed and wrapped herself in the towel before tentatively stepped out of the covers. Her uniform still sat behind the screen. She was going to have to retrieve it at some point, might as well be now. But her entire body felt wobbly and she wasn’t sure she trusted her legs to support her weight.
“If it’s any consolation, you handle your whiskey better than most women I know.”
“Thank you, but it’s really not.”
He handed her the glass of willow and water again with an expectant look. Taking another drink of it, she noticed a marked improvement in her headache. But she couldn’t decide if the improvement was worth the taste of the drink. “I feel like death. What happened last night?”
“You drank too much.”
“But I barely drank anything at all.”
“It doesn’t take much when it’s on an empty stomach. I should’ve thought of that before I grabbed the whiskey.” He pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear, his knuckles caressing her cheek as he did. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’m sure I’ll live.” Her stomach clenched with desire at his nearness. “I only wish I remembered how big a fool I made of myself.”
“You weren’t a fool at all.”
“You have to say that,” she argued. “It’s part of the unwritten gentleman’s code.”
“I can assure you, with the thoughts I’m having about you right now, I’m no longer allowed in that club.” The heat and intensity of his gaze froze her to that spot as his thoughts whispered sensual secrets to her and her alone. “But since you’re concerned, what’s the last thing you remember?”
She blushed at her last memory. “Kissing you.”
“After that you passed out and I moved to the couch. See? Nothing to worry about.”
She leaned into him, craving his warmth. “You didn’t have to. Move to the couch, that is. I trust you.” Rubbing her cheek against his sent a wave of desire through her. She needed him to touch her. Needed him to kiss her. But he didn’t. He didn’t move.
“Maybe you shouldn’t.”
There was something there. A secret he was keeping from her. She could sense it—hear his guilt whispered in a thousand tiny thoughts. None were strong enough to actually take shape, but they were enough to chill the heat that only a second ago had threatened to consumer her. “Stop it. I don’t want to know.” She took a deep breath to steady herself before stepping away from him.
He nodded stiffly in response. “There are a couple of people I want to talk to with about the Royalsbane last night. Jar will be here while I’m gone.”
“Of course.” There really was nothing else to say when he got that take-charge tone of his. She would blame it on his years in the guard, but he’d always had it. At least, he’d always had it with her.
“Are you feeling any better?”
She forced herself to nod. If he could pretend everything was fine, everything was normal, so could she. “A little. I’ll be fine by the time we’re ready to take off.” At least, she hoped she would be.
“Good to hear.”
They both turned as Jar swung open the door and unceremoniously strode through it. “Good morning, all. Gods, you look awful, Sara.”
Quickly, she stepped behind the screen and grabbed her uniform. She hated getting dressed with Jar just standing on the other side of the screen, but she hated wearing only a towel in front of him even more. “Thank you,” she said sharply.
But he was already talking to Kavin. “So, I’m here. Wasn’t there something you needed to do?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll be right back. Stick to the food and drink already here. Don’t eat or drink anything that might arrive while I’m gone.”
Dressed, she joined them once more to find Jar lounging on the end of the bed and Kavin already standing in the opened doorway. “I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl.”
Kavin wore the same sad smile he had the night before. “Things were a lot easier when you weren’t.”
“Maybe for you.”
But he didn’t acknowledge her taunt. Turning to Jar, he said, “Watch her.”
“Of course.”
Satisfied, Kavin nodded to them before leaving.
“What was that all about?” Jar asked, clearly confused.
“I was sick last night. I think he’s worried someone might’ve tried to poison me,” she answered honestly.
“Really? How sick were you?”
“Headache mainly. Fortunately Kavin recognized the symptoms and had me purge the poison. No lasting harm done.”
“That’s good to hear.”
He said the words and they sounded sincere enough, but he was more disappointed than concerned.
“Is everything okay? You seem…upset this morning.” She studied him closely as she asked the question.
“Upset? Someone poisoned you while you were under our protection. Upset is a bit of an understatement for how I’m feeling right now, princess.”
She rolled her eyes at the nickname. “I don’t think I was ever at risk of serious harm. And we aren’t even sure I was poisoned. Besides, I’m perfectly fine now, unless you count the hangover from the whiskey.”
He stopped to study her for a moment before taking a relaxing breath. “That’s good to hear.”
“I’ll have to take your word on that.” She rubbed her head, trying to alleviate some of the pain.
“Given the choice between poison or a hangover, I’d go with hangover any day.”
“I’m still deciding,” she mumbled to herself. “And that’s enough about me. I want to hear about you. How’ve you been? Won any wars for His Grace lately?”
“Nah, I’m more into survival these days. Heroics don’t pay as well as they once did, at least not for a commoner like me.” He smiled winningly, but Sara could hear the undercurrent of bitterness hidden in his nonchalant words.
“Yes, well, I can tell you it doesn’t pay royalty very much either. I think it’s supposed to be one of those things you do out of a sense of patriotism.”
“Is that why you signed on? Doing your civic duty?”
“Something like that.”
“I know it’s not my place, but I have to admit I was really surprised. I figured given the choice you’d jump at the offer from Devin. I mean, I know he left you in a quite a spot, but the bit about Raven’s Keep being rebuilt had to be tempting.”
Sara paused before slowly turning to her bag. She needed to do something to hide her shock. Pulling her brush out of the satchel, she began running it through her hair in careful measured strokes as his words sunk in. Kavin hadn’t wanted her to see Devin because his younger brother was going to make her an offer. And it was a better offer than his, in Kavin’s opinion at least. That was his secret.
“Kavin did tell you, didn’t he?”
“Of course,” she lied.
Even if she had taken Devin’s offer, she probably would’ve still had to join the guard. Her gift was too handy for the king to have accepted anything else. Still, she would’ve liked to have had the choice. Would’ve liked to have had the chance to tell Devin exactly where he could put his offer. She smiled as she pictured the look on his smug face when he heard not even rebuilding Raven’s Keep was enough to make his offer tempting.
“Good. I would hate to think you were somehow tricked into the guard,” he said dryly. “I was just concerned after the late night ride.”
“Thank you, but no. Joining the guard was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.” She clenched her fingers around the brush painfully as she thought of the truth of the words.
“Well, it does have its perks. You made a very mature decision, if I do say so. The thought of you ending up with Devin after the hell he put you through just didn�
�t feel right.”
“One shouldn’t make deals with dragons.” It was such an old saying, she wasn’t sure why it sprung to mind. She wasn’t even certain which brother it was in reference to. Kavin hadn’t promised her anything. He hadn’t lied about why he’d insisted on leaving so quickly. And she could’ve found out had she really wanted to. But still, she felt betrayed.
“Right you are,” Jar agreed. “Better to forge your own way through life than to rely on the charity of others. That’s what I always say.”
Pushing her feelings of betrayal to the back of her mind, she decided to focus on Jar. She’d missed him greatly and there was no guarantee she would have another moment like this to talk with him. And she refused to let Kavin’s secrets ruin a perfectly good opportunity for her to catch up with a friend. “That sounds like a sound piece of advice. And from what I’ve heard you’ve forged pretty high up the rank.”
“I haven’t been as lucky as Kavin,” he acknowledged with a nod. “But I’ve done pretty good for myself.”
“Yes, I only heard he was King’s Right yesterday. It was a…surprise. Not that he doesn’t deserve it, of course.” Even before the magic, he’d always put the uniform and king first.
“It was a surprise to me, as well.” The words were sharp, but his smile was easy. “But what can I say? I guess I’m just a damned good trainer.”
“Not to mention a damned good friend.”
“If you say so.”
“Not just me. I’m sure Kavin and Shemeek would both agree.” Sara reached out to Jar. “I can’t imagine a relationship with a Rhuevian has been easy, not with the prejudices that come with her accent. But, for what it’s worth, I like her, Jar. She’s good. And she’s good for you.”
She meant her words to be reassuring, but they only served to anger him.
“Gods, Sara. Don’t be nice to me. Not now.” He paused, leaving her completely confused until he said, “Not knowing that I did everything I could to get out of this assignment.”
She wasn’t sure what had caused the abrupt change in topic, but she was thankful he had brought it up. They needed to get it straightened out. “That was painful to hear. You’ve always been like a brother. I assumed you and Kavin had taken this assignment because you both wanted to see me. But a lot of time has passed. People change. Bonds deteriorate.”